2nd October 2026

A friend of mine was recently helping the widow of a senior colleague sort through the books and papers left by her late husband. Out of one of the books fell a short note, dated 1946. It was a reply to a request for information about some publication. Surprise: it was signed ‘C.S. Lewis’! Such a short note, but kindly written. The great writer of The Screwtape Letters, The Problem of Pain, The Chronicles of Narnia and much else besides – and no doubt very busy on his next book – was not above taking a little time and trouble to respond to a modest request.

The Apostle Paul was a great writer. Some of his letters – like those to the Corinthians and Romans and Ephesians, include studious and profound expositions of the Christian faith. Yet some were very brief, and quite personal. I like to imagine a scene when, some years after Paul’s death, leaders of the churches are going through his papyrus scrolls and out slips a short note, signed by Paul and addressed to his friend Philemon, evidently a man of standing in the city of Colossae. Not such a profound work of theology as the others. Just a request to Philemon to take back his less than satisfactory runaway slave Onesimus, who has now been befriended by Paul. I’m glad the compilers of Paul’s works didn’t throw it away as of lesser importance. For every line in that letter breathes compassion and hope for Onesimus – and Philemon too. It’s the gospel of grace made real in gracious human relationships, without which it’s not gospel.

Keith Clements